Description
Cranberry Jalapeno Cream Cheese Dip is a festive and flavorful appetizer that blends the tartness of fresh cranberries with the spicy kick of jalapenos, balanced by creamy whipped cream cheese. Perfect for holiday parties, this easy-to-make dip is served chilled and pairs wonderfully with crackers, pita chips, or tortilla chips.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounce bag fresh cranberries
- 1 jalapeno
- 2 to 3 tablespoons cilantro
- 3 green onions
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
- 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened and whipped
Instructions
- Chop Ingredients: Use a hand chopper or food processor to chop the fresh cranberries, jalapeno, cilantro, and green onions. If using a food processor, pulse to avoid pureeing the cranberries. Alternatively, hand chop until finely diced.
- Mix and Refrigerate: Transfer the chopped mixture to a bowl, then add sugar, salt, and optional lemon juice. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld.
- Strain Mixture: When ready to serve, strain the cranberry mixture in a colander with small openings to remove most of the juice before topping the cream cheese.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Base: Place cream cheese in a mixing bowl and whip for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Spread the whipped cream cheese evenly on the bottom of a pie plate, serving platter, or plate.
- Assemble and Serve: Pour the strained cranberry salsa over the cream cheese layer. Serve immediately with crackers, pita chips, or tortilla chips.
Notes
- This dip combines creamy, tart, sweet, and spicy flavors, making it an ideal holiday appetizer.
- For less spice, remove the jalapeno seeds before chopping.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to achieve a smooth and fluffy texture when whipped.
- Straining the cranberry mixture is essential to prevent the dip from becoming too watery.
- Can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated overnight for better flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 79 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 1 mg
